Transportation in Hong Kong

Hong Kong has a highly developed and sophisticated network of public and private transport. Using public transport is the preferred means of commuting within the city as over 90 percent of the daily journeys are on public transport. the island is well-connected with different modes of transportation that include, buses, mini-buses, rails, trams, taxis and ferries for sea transportation. An electronic money system called the Octopus card is in operation in Hong Kong since 1997. The Octopus card has been introduced to provide a fast, efficient and easy fares payment alternative to use of traditional banknotes and coins.

Hong Kong is an easily accessible city and has tourists and other visitors pouring in the island from across the world. Being a co-host city for the Beijing Olympics 2008 would imply that the month of August this year will witness a heavy influx of spectators from across the globe. The Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is the gateway to inland China and is one of the best airports in the world. From the HKIA about sixty airlines fly to 140 locations across the world. Hence reaching Hong Kong is not much of a hassle. The island also has an efficient rail link, connecting it with mainland China. Traveling by train is a good alternative for budget conscious travelers as the train ticket price is one third of that of an air-ticket. Getting around Hong Kong in fact couldn't be easier with the quick and convenient Mass Train Railway (MTR) system that covers almost all the major districts in and around the territory.

The Hong Kong Tramways are other means of commuting within the city. They are a cheap means of traveling within the city and also provide a magnificent view of the city from its upper decks. The trams however provide service in only few parts of Hong Kong Island. Octopus cards are accepted in the tramways as well. The best and the cheapest way of commuting within the city is however through public buses. There is hardly any part of the island which is not covered through bus transportation. There are double deck buses, single floor buses as well as minibuses that ply on various routes within Hong Kong Island, Kowloon city and the New Territories. Fares are low in the buses and octopus cards are also accepted. The minibuses carry about 16 people at a time and are faster and efficient than other buses. Taxis are another means of commuting within the city. The fares in the taxi are charged through authorized taximeters only. In Hong Kong one can also enjoy maritime transportation with ferries plying from one island port to the other.